Significados atribuídos à morte segundo a perspectiva de profissionais de saúde da área de oncologia / Meanings attributed to death from the perspective of oncology healthcare professionals / Significados atribuidos a la muerte desde la perspectiva de profesionales de salud del área de oncología

Objetivo: compreender a construção dos significados da morte pelos profissionais de saúde frente ao cuidado à pessoa com câncer. Método: estudo qualitativo realizado em ambiente online, com a participação de 34 profissionais de saúde. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, interpretadas segundo análise temática. Resultados: duas categorias analíticas emergiram dos dados, indicando que os significados atribuídos à morte pelos participantes foram: como um processo inerente ao ciclo da vida humana, passagem para a outra vida, e fim do sofrimento tanto do paciente quanto dos profissionais de saúde. As dificuldades que apontaram em lidar com a morte se referem à falta de suporte psicológico, escassez de conhecimento sobre morte, cuidados paliativos e comunicação de más notícias. Conclusão: os profissionais construíram diferentes significados à morte de seus pacientes, tais como um processo natural da vida, vontade de um ser superior, passagem para uma nova existência e término do sofrimento dessas pessoas.

Objective: to understand the construction of meanings of death by healthcare professionals caring for people with cancer. Method: this qualitative study was carried out in an online environment through semi-structured interviews of 34 health professionals, which were interpreted using thematic analysis. Results: two analytical categories emerged from the data, indicating that the meanings attributed to death by the participants were: a process inherent in the human life cycle, a transition to the next life, and an end to the suffering of both patient and health professionals. The difficulties they pointed to in dealing with death related to lack of psychological support, lack of knowledge about death, palliative care, and communicating bad news. Conclusion: the professionals constructed different meanings to their patients' deaths: a natural process of life, the will of a higher being, a transition to a new existence, and an end to these people's suffering.

Objetivo: comprender la construcción de los significados de la muerte desde el punto de vista de los profesionales de la salud ante el cuidado a la persona con cáncer. Metodología: estudio cualitativo realizado en un entorno online, con la participación de 34 profesionales de la salud. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas, interpretadas según análisis temático. Resultados: de los datos surgieron dos categorías analíticas que indicaron que los significados atribuidos a la muerte por los participantes fueron: como u proceso inherente al ciclo de vida humano, transición a otra vida y fin al sufrimiento tanto del paciente como de los profesionales de la salud. Las dificultades que señalaron para afrontar la muerte se refieren a la falta de apoyo psicológico, escasez de conocimiento sobre la muerte, cuidados paliativos y comunicación de malas noticias. Conclusión: los profesionales han construido diferentes significados para la muerte de sus pacientes: un proceso natural de la vida, la voluntad de un ser superior, un paso a una nueva existencia y el fin del sufrimiento de estas personas.

Perspectivas de pacientes y profesionales en torno al uso de medicinas alternativas y complementarias para el cuidado del cáncer: un estudio exploratorio / Perception of Alternative and Complementary Medicine for Cancer Care among Patients and Health Professionals: An Exploratory Study

Introducción: el uso de medicinas alternativas y complementarias (MAC) por pacientes oncológicos es una práctica extendida, generalmente por fuera del tratamiento principal. La falta de entendimiento entre percepciones de pacientes y profesionales puede derivar en problemas de comunicación con repercusión negativa en el cuidado. Objetivo: indagar por coincidencias y divergencias en la percepción de pacientes y profesionales frente al uso de MAC en el paciente oncológico. Métodos: estudio exploratorio con análisis interpretativo fenomenológico mediante grupos focales, usando dominios prestablecidos. Se realizó codificación manual independiente y, posteriormente, se agruparon los códigos para su interpretación. El agrupamiento fue triangulado con el equipo de investigación para generar categorías definitivas. Resultados: surgieron dos categorías: conceptualización y vivencia frente a MAC. Cada categoría incluye subcategorías similares (p. ej., denominaciones, uso de MAC) y diferenciales (p. ej. valoración, fundamentación), entre los dos grupos. La conceptualización reconoce cómo los participantes caracterizan la MAC y la vivencia identifica la forma y vías como se relacionan con la MAC. Conclusiones: pacientes y profesionales comparten inquietudes frente al uso de MAC, pero existen diferencias en lenguaje y expectativas frente a su uso. Para los pacientes el consejo médico es relevante pero no definitivo y la evidencia científica solo es relevante para los profesionales.

Apuntes sobre Historia de la Oncología en Cuba / Notes on History of Oncology in Cuba

RESUMEN Muchos son los resultados relevantes de la Oncología cubana, gracias a los médicos, científicos y académicos que siempre han estado a la vanguardia de la lucha contra el cáncer, no sólo en Cuba sino también en Latinoamérica a lo largo de más de 170 años. El pueblo cubano, con su espíritu humano y colaborador, hizo aportes que ayudaron en los momentos difíciles, donde los gobiernos trataban de limitar el presupuesto para una obra tan noble como la lucha contra el cáncer. Fue la política de salud adoptada por el gobierno revolucionario, la que permitió el acceso a la atención gratuita a todo paciente oncológico poniendo a su alcance los recursos disponibles en su lucha contra esta tenebrosa enfermedad. La creación de la Unidad Oncológica de Matanzas ha sido y es hoy una muestra de tan noble obra. Con el objetivo de exponer las características del surgimiento y desarrollo de la oncología en Cuba se realiza el presente trabajo (AU).

SUMMARY There are many relevant results of Cuban Oncology, thanks to our doctors, scientists and academics who have always been at the forefront of the fight against cancer, not only in Cuba but also in Latin America for more than 170 years. The Cuban people, with their human spirit and collaborator, made contributions that helped in difficult times, where governments tried to limit the budget for a work as noble as the fight against cancer. It was the health policy adopted by the revolutionary government, which allowed access to free care for all oncological patients, putting at their disposal the available resources in their fight against this dark disease. The creation of the Oncological Unit of Matanzas has been and is today a sample of such a noble work. With the aim of exposing the characteristics of the emergence and development of oncology in Cuba, the present work is carried out (AU).

Microbiological characteristics of infections in a group of colombian patients with oncological diagnosis, 2014 - 2016 / Características microbiológicas de infecciones en un grupo de colombianos con diagnóstico oncológico, 2014 - 2016

Objective: We aimed to describe the microbiological characteristics of infections in patients from an oncological center during 2.014-2.016. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, a total of 7.837 cultures corresponding to 1.216 patients were included. Microbiological and sociodemographic data were taken from cancer diagnosed patients admitted to Oncólogos de Occidente S.A. in Pereira, Armenia, Manizales and Cartago from January 2.014 to December 2.016. The bacterial resistance profiles were defined according to the CLSI guideline. Culture foci were blood, urine, tissue biopsies, skin and soft tissues, mucous membranes and feces. Results: The culture-positive rate was 27,94%. Amongst 2.190 isolates, Escherichia coli (22,42%) was the most frequent, followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (21,27%), Pseudomona aeruginosa (13,83%) and Staphylococcus aureus (5,11%). The most common mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negatives were Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (45,45%) and AmpC-type β-lactamases (37,71%). Discussion: Up to nearly one-third of our participants' cultures were positive and a vast majority were gram-negatives, provided with ESBLs or AmpCs which in oncological patients it is a catastrophic outcome. We recommend to establish antibiotic dispensing policies thus achieving a microbiological risk control and improve the epidemiological surveillance. Empirical use of beta-lactams with extended spectrum or cephalosporins of 1 to 3 generation is not recommended due to the high resistance found.

Objetivo: Describir las características microbiológicas de las infecciones en pacientes de un centro oncológico durante 2.014-2.016 Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal. Incluyó 7.837 cultivos de 1.216 pacientes. Se recolectaron variables microbiológicas y sociodemográficas de pacientes diagnosticados con cáncer en las sedes de Pereira, Armenia, Manizales y Cartago de Oncólogos de Occidente S.A. durante 2.014 hasta 2.016. Los perfiles de resistencia bacteriana se definieron de acuerdo con la guía CLSI. Los focos de cultivo fueron sangre, orina, biopsias de tejidos, piel y tejidos blandos, membranas mucosas y heces. Resultados: La tasa de cultivo positivo fue del 27,94%. De 2.190 aislamientos, E. coli (22,42%) fue el más frecuente, seguido de K. pneumoniae (21,27%), P. aeruginosa (13,83%) y S. aureus (5,11%). Los principales mecanismos de resistencia identificados en Gram negativos fueron β-lactamasas de espectro extendido (45,45%) y β-lactamasa de tipo AmpC (37,71%). Discusión: Cerca de un tercio de los cultivos de los participantes fueron positivos y una vasta mayoría fueron gram negativos, provistos con ESBL o AmpC, lo que en pacientes oncológicos es un desenlace catastrófico. Recomendamos establecer políticas de dispensación de antibióticos, logrando así un control de riesgo microbiológico y mejorar la vigilancia epidemiológica. No se recomienda el uso empírico de betalactámicos con espectro extendido o cefalosporinas de 1 a 3 generación debido a la alta tasa de resistencia encontrada.

Evaluación de la disección ganglionar en colectomía oncológica realizada por cirujanos generales / Evaluation of lymph node dissection in oncological colectomy performed by general surgeons

Resumen Introducción: El cáncer colorrectal es la cuarta patología neoplásica en incidencia y mortalidad en Colombia y, aunque hay evidente mejoría en sus desenlaces, este alto volumen hace indispensable la participación integrada de cirujanos colorrectales y cirujanos generales dedicados a esa área de interés. A la fecha es la cirugía el pilar del tratamiento de esta enfermedad, la cual debe ser realizada dentro de unos parámetros que permitan asegurarle al paciente la resección completa de la misma. Uno de estos parámetros incluye un adecuado vaciamiento ganglionar que nos permite evaluar el pronóstico de la enfermedad y la necesidad de terapias complementarias. Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad de la disección ganglionar en la cirugía oncológica colorrectal efectuada por cirujanos generales en dos instituciones de la ciudad de Bogotá. Materiales y Método: Estudio observacional analítico de corte transversal; se analizaron 315 pacientes llevados a cirugía electiva oncológica colorrectal por cirujanos generales en el periodo de 2014 a 2017 en nuestras instituciones. Resultados: La mediana de ganglios linfáticos recuperados fue de 16, el número de ganglios disecados se asoció con localización del tumor (p = 0,002) y la neoadyuvancia (p = 00,001). Sin embargo, no se encontró asociación con el sexo, tipo de abordaje y volumen de sangrado. Conclusiones: Las colectomías realizadas por cirujanos generales mantienen un volumen óptimo en relación a la disección ganglionar sin comprometer el resto de los desenlaces. El número de ganglios linfáticos recuperados se asoció con la localización del tumor y la terapia neoadyuvante.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the 4th neoplastic disease in terms of incidence and mortality in Colombia, even though the clinical outcomes are improving. The high volume of this patients is requesting the collaboration between colorectal surgeons and general surgeons dedicated to this area of interest. To date is surgery the mainstay of the treatment of this disease which should be carried out within parameters that allow to assure the patient the complete resection of the lesion. One of these parameters includes a suitable lymph node emptying that allows us to evaluate the prognosis of the disease and the need of complementary therapies. Aim: To evaluate the quality of the lymph node dissection in colorectal surgery performed by general surgeons in two academic institutions in Bogota, Colombia. Materials and Method: Transversal cohort in analytical and observational study. We analyzed 315 patients scheduled for elective colorectal surgery by general surgeons in the period from 2014 to 2017 in our institutions. Results: The mean of the lymph node recovered was 16, the number of dissected lymph nodes was associated with the tumor location (p = 0.002), and the neoadjuvant (p = 0.001). However, no association within sex, approach and bleeding was found. Conclusions: The colectomies performed by general surgeons maintain an optimal volume in relation with lymph node dissection without affect the remaining clinical outcomes. The number of lymph nodes recovered is associated with tumor location and neoadjuvant therapy.

Evaluación de la necesidad de especialistas oncólogos en Bogotá, Colombia, 2015 / Evaluation of the need for specialists in oncology, Bogota, Colombia, 2015

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar la necesidad de médicos oncólogos para la atención de cáncer en Bogotá. Material y Métodos El reporte de consultas de neoplasias malignas del Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social de Colombia (SISPRO) se compara con un modelo de cuatro consultas para tratamiento y dos de controles para el año según la estimación de incidencia y prevalencia. Con base en estos datos, se calcula la necesidad de oncólogos que se comparan con el registro que tiene este ministerio de profesionales independientes (práctica privada en consultorio) e instituciones prestadoras de salud públicas y privadas. Resultados Al comparar las consultas realizadas con las estimadas para la atención se encuentra que no se cumplen las consultas indispensables con excepción notable en linfomas y leucemias, con más consultas que las esperadas, y en los cánceres de ovario, tiroides, cánceres en otros sitios y los no especificados. La productividad de los profesionales con relación al número de profesionales independientes es baja, con exceso de oferta en las especialidades oncológicas quirúrgicas con excepción de urología, y hay déficit en hematología oncológica, oncología clínica y radioterapia. Pero en esta última situación, al incluir otras fuentes, tampoco se encuentra que el número de estos especialistas sea inferior al requerido. Conclusiones Las especialidades quirúrgicas oncológicas tienen sobreoferta en Bogotá con excepción de urología, mientras que oncología clínica y radioterapia, que presentan un número inferior con respecto al registro de profesionales independientes, se suplen con los médicos de instituciones prestadoras de salud públicas y/o privadas.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the need of oncologists for cancer care in Bogotá. Material and Methods The Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social de Colombia (SISPRO) consultation report of malignant neoplasms is compared to a model of four treatment consultations and two of controls per year, according to the estimation of incidence and prevalence. Based on these data, the need for oncologists is calculated and compared with the registry that this ministry has of independent professionals (private practice in the office) and public and private health care institutions. Results When comparing the consultations made with those estimated for the care, it Is found that the indispensable consultations are not met with notable exception in lymphomas and leukemias, with more consultations than expected, and in ovary cancers, thyroid, cancers in other body parts and unspecified. The productivity of professionals in relation to the number of independent professionals is low, with excess supply in surgical oncology specialties except for urology; and there is a deficit in hematology oncology, clinical oncology and radiotherapy. But in this last situation, when including other sources, it is not found that the number of these specialists is lower than required. Conclusions The oncological surgical specialties have an oversupply in Bogotá except for urology, while clinical oncology and radiotherapy, that have a number under the register of independent professionals, are supplemented by physicians from public and / or private health care institutions.(AU)

Role of medical oncologists in multidisciplinary team treatment of malignant acute abdomen / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Acute abdomen in patients with malignant tumors is called malignant acute abdomen, often seen in the digestive system tumor or abdominal pelvic metastasis of the other primary tumors. Bleeding, perforation, gastrointestinal obstruction, biliary obstruction with infection, acute peritonitis are acute and severe, however, prevention is more important than treatment. For high-risk patients, even if acute abdomen does not occur when the disease is diagnosed, we should make precautions, including actively local treatment of local lymph nodes or primary lesions and careful choice of drugs. Malignant acute abdomen is mainly treated by surgical intervention. However, to seize the opportunity of anti-tumor treatment while actively treating acute abdomen requires multidisciplinary team (MDT), including co-management of diagnostic team, treatment team and support team. Most patients with malignant acute abdomen are in late stage, so the role of medical oncologists can not be ignored in the prevention, intervention and management of malignant acute abdomen. For patients with potentially resectable malignant acute abdomen who are suitable for neoadjuvant therapy and technically unresectable malignant acute abdomen, the opportunity for drug treatment should be sought first. For those presenting with obstruction, bleeding or perforation during radiotherapy or chemotherapy, we should carefully evaluate the response of previous antitumor treatment, the reason of acute abdomen and discuss the option of surgery. Some concomitant medications may also increase the risk of malignant acute abdomen. Here, we discuss the role of medical oncologists in the management of malignant acute abdomen in the MDT setting.

Role of surgical oncologists in multidisciplinary team treatment of malignant acute abdomen / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Malignant acute abdomen is an acute abdominal disease caused by abdominal and extra-abdominal malignant tumors or secondary to various treatments for tumors, and belongs to the category of oncologic emergencies. Malignant acute abdomen includes perforation, bowel obstruction, infection and bleeding, etc. Most of the malignant acute abdomen is urgent and critical. The postoperative morbidity and mortality of these patients are high. The treatment strategy should ideally be discussed by a multidisciplinary team, which is often infeasible in the emergent setting. Surgery should be the main measures to improve survival and quality of life, but the risk of death should be fully evaluated before surgery to determine whether the surgery can benefit patients. In addition, the timing of surgery depends mostly on the surgeon. This article explores the treatment of malignant acute abdomen from the perspective of surgical oncology.

How should gynecologic oncologists react to the unexpected results of LACC trial? / 부인종양

No abstract available.

A "miracle" cancer drug in the era of social media: A survey of Brazilian oncologists' opinions and experience with phosphoethanolamine / Uma "milagrosa" droga contra o câncer na era da mídia social: uma pesquisa sobre a opinião e a experiência dos oncologistas brasileiros com a fosfoetanolamina

Summary Introduction: Patients who are treating cancer have often used alternative therapies. In the internet era, information can be broadcasted widely, and this happened with phosphoethanolamine in Brazil, where this substance was claimed by the population to be the "cure for cancer." Method: This is a cross-sectional study developed by the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology (SBOC). An objectively structured questionnaire was sent by e-mail and SMS to active MDs members of the SBOC. Descriptive statistics was used to evaluate the data. Statistical significance between the variables was tested by Pearson's Chi-squared test (p<0.05 was considered significance). Results: The survey was sent to 1,072 oncologists, and 398 (37.1%) answered at least part of it. One hundred and fifteen (28.9%) had followed patients who had used phosphoethanolamine. Among these, 14 (12.2%) observed adverse events and four (3.5%) attributed clinical benefit to the substance. Most of the oncologists (n=331; 83.2%) believe that it should only be used as part of a clinical trial protocol. Most physicians did not recommend this drug to their patients (n=311; 78.1%). Oncologists in Southeast, South and Midwest Brazil were more likely to have patients taking the drug compared to the Northern and Northeastern regions. Conclusion: This is the first survey to assess the opinion and experience of oncologists about this alternative therapy. Most oncologists in Brazil do not believe that synthetic phosphoethanolamine is active in cancer treatment, do not recommend its use without proper evaluation, and state that it should only be available to patients in the context of clinical trials.

Resumo Introdução: Alguns pacientes com diagnóstico de câncer utilizam terapias alternativas. Na era da internet, as informações podem se dissipar de forma rápida e abrangente, como foi o caso da fosfoetanolamina no Brasil, onde foi aclamada pela população como sendo a "cura para o câncer". Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal desenvolvido pela Sociedade Brasileira de Oncologia Clínica (SBOC). Através de e-mail e SMS, enviou-se um questionário com perguntas objetivas para oncologistas membros ativos da SBOC. Os dados foram avaliados por meio de estatística descritiva. A significância estatística entre as variáveis ​​foi testada pelo teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson (p<0,05 foi considerado significativo). Resultados: O questionário foi enviado para 1.072 oncologistas, tendo 398 (37,1%) respondido pelo menos parte dele. Cento e quinze (28,9%) tinham pacientes que fizeram uso da fosfoetanolamina. Desses, 14 (12,2%) observaram eventos adversos e quatro (3,5%) atribuíram benefício clínico para a substância. A maioria (n=331; 83,2%) acreditava que ela só deveria ser utilizada dentro de um ensaio clínico. A principal recomendação dada aos pacientes foi contra o seu uso (n=311; 78,1%). Oncologistas das regiões Sudeste, Sul e Centro-Oeste tiveram mais pacientes que tomaram a substância quando comparados com as regiões Norte e Nordeste. Conclusão: Este é o primeiro estudo que avalia a opinião dos oncologistas sobre essa terapia alternativa e sua experiência. A maioria dos oncologistas brasileiros não acredita que a fosfoetanolamina sintética seja ativa no tratamento do câncer, não recomendando seu uso sem avaliação adequada, e afirmam que a substância só deve estar disponível no contexto de ensaios clínicos.

Prevalencia del síndrome de burnout en oncólologos clínicos asistentes a la XXVI reunión de trabajos y actualización post Chicago de la Asociación Argentina de Oncología Clínica, 2016 / Prevalence of burnout syndrome in clinical oncologists attending the XXVI meeting of works and post-Chicago update of the Argentine Association of Clinical Oncology, 2016

El objetivo fue indagar la prevalencia del síndrome de Burnout (SBO) en oncólogos clínicos (OC) asistentes a la XXVI Reunión de Trabajos y Actualización Post Chicago de la Asociación Argentina de Oncología Clínica, 2016, y su asociación con variables sociodemográficas y de la actividad laboral. Estudio descriptivo transversal, no aleatorizado, realizado a partir de un cuestionario, versión adaptada española del Maslach Burnout Inventory (escala MBI) y preguntas adicionales. Se utilizó el coeficiente V de Cramer y el estadístico Chi cuadrado con un nivel de significancia p<0.05. De 460 asistentes, 103 completaron la encuesta (22.4%) y la prevalencia del SBO fue del 14%, 31% y 51% (según Maslach, Gil-Monte y Neira respectivamente). Hubo asociación estadística del SBO con las variables: disconformidad con la remuneración, condiciones laborales insatisfechas y viajes para actividad laboral; y asociación no estadísticamente significativa con: sexo femenino y edad menor de 40 años; sin relación con SBO en las variables: práctica de actividad física, tiempo de ejercicio de la profesión, atención de pacientes los fines de semana, elevado número de pacientes, contacto con el profesional y consumo de ansiolíticos. La tasa de prevalencia de SBO en los OC estudiados fue elevada y es consistente con datos internacionales y con tasas nacionales de médicos de otras especialidades. Este estudio es el primer trabajo que muestra la prevalencia del SBO en una población específica de OC de nuestro país (AU)

The objective was to investigate the prevalence of Burnout syndrome (BOS) in clinical oncologists (CO) at the XXVI Reunión de Trabajos y Actualización post Chicago de la Asociación Argentina de Oncología Clínica, 2016, and its association with socio-demographic variables and work activity. Cross-sectional, non-randomized study, adapted Spanish version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI scale) and additional questions. Cramer V coefficients and Chi square statistic were used with a significance level p<0.05. Of the 460 attending, 103 completed the survey (22.4%) and the prevalence of BOS was 14%, 31% and 51% (according to Maslach, Gil-Monte and Neira, respectively). There was statistical association of the BOS with the variables: dissatisfaction with remuneration, unsatisfied working conditions and trips for work activity; and non-statistically significant association with: female gender and age under 40 years; with no relation to BOS in the variables: physical activity practice, exercise time of the profession, patient care at weekends, high number of patients, contact with the professional and consumption of anxiolytics. The prevalence rate of BOS in CO was high and is consistent with international data and national rates of physician from other specialties. This is the first study to show the prevalence of BOS in a specific population of CO in our country (AU)

Current status of brachytherapy in Korea: a national survey of radiation oncologists / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to acquire information on brachytherapy resources in Korea through a national survey of radiation oncologists. METHODS: Between October 2014 and January 2015, a questionnaire on the current status of brachytherapy was distributed to all 86 radiation oncology departments in Korea. The questionnaire was divided into sections querying general information on human resources, brachytherapy equipment, and suggestions for future directions of brachytherapy policy in Korea. RESULTS: The response rate of the survey was 88.3%. The average number of radiation oncologists per center was 2.3. At the time of survey, 28 centers (36.8%) provided brachytherapy to patients. Among the 28 brachytherapy centers, 15 (53.5%) were located in in the capital Seoul and its surrounding metropolitan areas. All brachytherapy centers had a high-dose rate system using (192)Ir (26 centers) or (60)Co (two centers). Among the 26 centers using (192)Ir sources, 11 treated fewer than 40 patients per year. In the two centers using (60)Co sources, the number of patients per year was 16 and 120, respectively. The most frequently cited difficulties in performing brachytherapy were cost related. A total of 21 centers had a plan to sustain the current brachytherapy system, and four centers noted plans to upgrade their brachytherapy system. Two centers stated that they were considering discontinuation of brachytherapy due to cost burdens of radioisotope source replacement. CONCLUSION: The present study illustrated the current status of brachytherapy in Korea. Financial difficulties were the major barriers to the practice of brachytherapy.

Current status of brachytherapy in Korea: a national survey of radiation oncologists / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to acquire information on brachytherapy resources in Korea through a national survey of radiation oncologists. METHODS: Between October 2014 and January 2015, a questionnaire on the current status of brachytherapy was distributed to all 86 radiation oncology departments in Korea. The questionnaire was divided into sections querying general information on human resources, brachytherapy equipment, and suggestions for future directions of brachytherapy policy in Korea. RESULTS: The response rate of the survey was 88.3%. The average number of radiation oncologists per center was 2.3. At the time of survey, 28 centers (36.8%) provided brachytherapy to patients. Among the 28 brachytherapy centers, 15 (53.5%) were located in in the capital Seoul and its surrounding metropolitan areas. All brachytherapy centers had a high-dose rate system using (192)Ir (26 centers) or (60)Co (two centers). Among the 26 centers using (192)Ir sources, 11 treated fewer than 40 patients per year. In the two centers using (60)Co sources, the number of patients per year was 16 and 120, respectively. The most frequently cited difficulties in performing brachytherapy were cost related. A total of 21 centers had a plan to sustain the current brachytherapy system, and four centers noted plans to upgrade their brachytherapy system. Two centers stated that they were considering discontinuation of brachytherapy due to cost burdens of radioisotope source replacement. CONCLUSION: The present study illustrated the current status of brachytherapy in Korea. Financial difficulties were the major barriers to the practice of brachytherapy.

Satisfaction in HER2 testing among medical oncologists- Aiming for multidisciplinary HER2 testing in the Philippines

INTRODUCTION: A multidisciplinary approach is essential to optimize patient care. In the practice of oncology, surgeons, medical oncologists, and pathologists are essential for the histology-based diagnosis of cancer patients. In breast cancer, hormone receptor and HER2 positivity are both predictive and prognostic, and so testing for these has been strongly recommended for every newly diagnosed breast cancer patient. A unique but meaningful information that can be provided by medical oncologists, as customers, is their satisfaction to the services (e.g. HER2 testing) and product (e.g. reports) of the pathology laboratory. Any quality initiative effort to improve HER2 testing can also be extended to hormone receptor (ER/PR) testing. This study measures the general satisfaction of medical oncologists practicing in Metro Manila with local HER2 testing services and reports.METHODS: This cross-sectional study had survey questionnaires distributed to medical oncologists practicing in Metro Manila chosen on the basis of their considerable experience with requesting HER2tests and with the use of anti-HER2 therapy in their management of breast carcinoma patients. Demographics, practice information, rating of satisfaction per laboratory service category, and a checklist of elements of IHC/FISH reports were collected.RESULTS: 32 medical oncologists participated in the survey, most of whom were from tertiary hospitals. Breast carcinoma cases make up around 26-50% of cancer cases in their practice. More than half request HER2 testing for their breast cancer patients. Medical oncologists are generally satisfied with the services for IHC and FISH HER2 testing (composite scores >2) provided by the laboratories. Overall, medical oncologists were very satisfied with diagnostic accuracy and completeness of relevant information in the report. Laboratory services were mostly rated good, with the exception of pathologists' responsiveness to problems and notification of equivocal results. For both IHC and FISH, patient/physician identification, date of service, specimen identification/ site/ type, results, and interpretation were reported to be included in the reports. However, time to/duration of/ type of fixation, method and image analysis method, antibody clone/ vendor, and comment that an FDA-approved method was used, were reported missing by the many.CONCLUSION: For both IHC and FISH, overall satisfaction was found to be moderately directly correlated with diagnostic accuracy. In a country like the Philippines where quality initiatives of laboratories may still be far from ideal, medical oncologists can demand inclusion of their preferences into assessments processes by laboratories and correct assumptions of laboratory managers as to what element of the services and products they value most. Measurement of customer satisfaction can be integrated into the quality assurance programs of laboratories and corresponding hospitals.  

Understanding current attitudes in HER2 testing for breast cancer at tertiary referral hospitals of Metro Manila, Philippines

INTRODUCTION: The difficulty of obtaining accurate and reproducible assessment of HER2 status in the Philippines, despite the predictive value of the test for HER2 positive breast cancer patients, may be sufficiently addressed if an effective multidisciplinary approach to HER2 testing is carried out. This may be accomplished by identifying disparities and similarities in HER2 testing for breast cancer.METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study which included medical oncologists who had used trastuzumab for HER2-positive patients. Surgeons, who belonged to the same tertiary hospital as the medical oncologists were also interviewed. The survey questionnaires were administered via face-to-face, mail, or fax. Responses were kept confidential. Questionnaire responses were analysed using summary statistics.RESULTS: There were 35 medical oncologists and 37 surgeons - 93% stated that all women diagnosed with breast cancer should be tested for HER2 at the point of diagnosis; 61% stated that the greatest barrier to initiating HER2 testing was inadequate patient funds. 57% medical oncologists and 65% surgeons believed that HER2 testing for all breast cancer patients at the point of clinical diagnosis was being observed at their hospital. 69% stated that medical oncologists or surgeons should request for HER2 test whoever saw the patients first; 59% stated that whoever saw the patient first provide the patient information about HER2 testing whereas 28% stated it is the medical oncologist who should provide information about HER2 testing. 47% medical oncologist and 63% surgeons stated that surgeons should arrange for breast tissue sample collection; 27% medical oncologists and 20% surgeons stated that pathologists should do this.CONCLUSION: Medical oncologists and surgeons were similar in the opinion that all women diagnosed with breast cancer should be tested for HER2 at the point of diagnosis, financial capability was the greatest barrier for initiating HER2 testing, and whoever saw the patient first should provide patient education. There was disparity on who should request and who should arrange for tissue collection.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines on the diagnosis and management of breast cancer part I. Early breast cancer

The clinical area identified by the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS) for the third evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (EBCPGs) was on the management of breast cancer. Funding for the research project was provided by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), and a Technical Working Group (TWG) was formed, composed of 5 general surgeons and 1 medical oncologist. The TWG was tasked to identify the clinical questions and to adhere to the PCS approved method of developing EBCPGs. The TWG decided to divide the report into two parts: Early Breast Cancer, and Locally Advanced and Metastatic Breast Cancer. This first report will focus on Early Breast Cancer The definition of early breast cancer is that used by the Early Breast Cancer Trialists Collaborative Group (EBCTG), since the regular systemic reviews (meta-analysis) of the group on the primary and adjuvant therapies of early breast cancer currently comprise the strongest evidence. "In women with "early breast cancer", all detectable cancer is, by definition, restricted to the breast and, in the case of node positive patients, the local lymph nodes can be removed surgically." The TWG began work on July 1, 2000. The literature search, limited to English publications, used both electronic and manual methods. Three electronic databases were used: 1) The Cochrane library, Issue 2, 2000; 2) National Library of Medicine-Medline (PubMed, no time limit); and HERDIN (Health Research and Development Information Network) Version 1, 1997 of DOST-PCHRD Titles of all articles were printed and at least 2 members of the TWG went over the list and checked the titles of articles whose abstract they felt should be read. The abstracts of all checked articles were printed. The printed abstracts were given to the members of the TWG, who then decided which articles were to be included for full text retrieval. The full texts were obtained from the University of the Philippines Manila Library, and were appraised using standard forms. The TWG then compiled, summarized and classified the evidence according to 3 levels and proposed a first draft to recommendations according to 3 categories.(Author)